HTC Thunderbolt (ADR6400L)

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HTC

HTC Thunderbolt (ADR6400L)

March 17, 2011 7/10 Rating
In brief: The HTC Thunderbolt was a groundbreaking smartphone, notable as Verizon's first 4G LTE device, offering exceptionally fast data speeds for its era. It featured a large 4.3-inch display, an 8MP camera, and an integrated kickstand, running on Android 2.2 Froyo with HTC Sense. While praised for its performance and features, its battery life was a significant drawback, particularly when utilizing the 4G network.
Display4.3-inch TFT, 480x800 pixels
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S2 (1 GHz single-core)
Main Camera8 MP with dual-LED flash
Battery1400 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $2,449 in International

💰 HTC Thunderbolt (ADR6400L) Price in United States

The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $2,449, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Groundbreaking 4G LTE speeds for its time
  • Large and vibrant 4.3-inch display
  • Capable 8MP camera with dual-LED flash and 720p video
  • Convenient integrated kickstand for media consumption
  • Included 32GB microSD card provided generous storage
  • Simultaneous voice and data over 3G
  • HTC Sense UI offered a refined Android experience

Cons

  • Significantly poor battery life, especially on 4G LTE
  • Relatively heavy and bulky design
  • Single-core processor was quickly outpaced by dual-core rivals
  • Lack of a dedicated camera shutter button
  • No easy way to toggle between 3G and 4G to conserve battery
★ Our Verdict

The HTC Thunderbolt was a pioneering device, delivering impressive 4G LTE speeds and a strong feature set for its era, but its innovative capabilities were significantly undermined by its notoriously short battery life.

As a device from 2011, the HTC Thunderbolt is now a collector's item rather than a practical daily driver. Its 4G LTE capabilities, while revolutionary at the time, are based on older network standards and may not be fully compatible or efficient with modern networks. The Android 2.2 (Froyo) operating system, even with upgrades to 4.0.4, is severely outdated, limiting app compatibility and security. Battery life was a major concern even at launch, making it impractical for extended use today. If you're considering this phone, it should be for its historical significance as Verizon's first 4G LTE device or for nostalgic purposes, not for current smartphone functionality. Expect to encounter significant limitations in performance, app support, and battery endurance.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • HTC Thunderbolt smartphone
  • 1400mAh Li-Ion battery
  • LTE SIM card (pre-installed)
  • 32GB microSDHC card (pre-installed)
  • Battery cover
  • User guide
  • Wall charger with detachable microUSB cable

Standard manufacturer's warranty applied at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What was the significance of the HTC Thunderbolt?

The HTC Thunderbolt was significant as it was the first smartphone to launch on Verizon's 4G LTE network, bringing unprecedented mobile data speeds to consumers in 2011.

What operating system did the HTC Thunderbolt run?

The HTC Thunderbolt originally shipped with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and was later updated to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and eventually to Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with HTC Sense UI.

What were the main drawbacks of the HTC Thunderbolt?

The primary drawbacks of the HTC Thunderbolt included its notoriously poor battery life, especially when using 4G LTE, its relatively heavy and bulky design, and its single-core processor which was quickly surpassed by newer dual-core models.

Did the HTC Thunderbolt have a good camera?

Yes, for its time, the HTC Thunderbolt featured a capable 8-megapixel main camera with autofocus and a dual-LED flash, capable of recording 720p HD video. It also had a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.

Was the HTC Thunderbolt expandable storage-wise?

Yes, the HTC Thunderbolt came with 4 GB of internal storage but also included a 32GB microSDHC card pre-installed, allowing for significant expandable storage.

Is the HTC Thunderbolt still usable today?

While technically functional, the HTC Thunderbolt is largely considered a collector's item today. Its outdated operating system, limited app compatibility, and poor battery life make it impractical for modern daily use.